People Management
Promoting Interdependence
Individual tasks and team tasks are equally important to success. The team cannot function without its members, who were all chosen for the contributions they could make. Show that each individual's ideas and skills are vital to the team's success by:
Finding ways to intertwine individual goals with team goals
If an individual isn't working toward the same goals as the team, his actions will make the team's goals harder to accomplish. The responsibilities of the individual must coincide with those of the team.
Reminding members of the importance of their contributions
Each person was selected to join the team for a reason: her individual skills are necessary for the team to accomplish its objectives. A well-constructed team cannot succeed without the contributions of all members. And remember to congratulate team mates publicly when they've reached a milestone or performed well.
Encouraging team responsibility
When a team chooses a course of action, it does so as a group, no matter where the idea originated. Accepting responsibility for one another will build trust and commitment.
Developing team problem-solving skills
When an issue arises, work together to come up with solutions. Establish a method for discussing and debating the merits of all the possibilities, and wherever possible, make sure the decision is a joint one.
